Quote:
Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*
Thank you, I do appreciate it!
I've read through the thread a few times, trying to get a better understanding, so that I could see if I had been offensive. I think I understand why you got frustrated..... you thought I was arguing with you? I wasn't intending to, I was really just clarifying an issue in my own mind.
I completely respect everyone's convictions, and would not DREAM of trying to change someone's mind. Would not DARE to - that's between them and God. I wouldn't want that responsibility on my hands if I were wrong.
I'm just going through an upheaval in my own mind right now, and any conversation I'm in is usually just helping me to work things out in my own head. I'm very interested in others opinions, but I may respond with... 'yeah, but what about this?' Not to argue, but just because it's a question I have. Because my own head is arguing with itself. 
But I will try to be more sensitive in my posts, to be sure I'm clear that I'm not just arguing.  |
Oh no, I didn't think you were arguing with me. Not at all!
Honestly, I get a little defensive on the "standards" issues because I think - even in that - we need to stay in God's will for our lives.
I want to try to explain how I feel. I didn't grow up in the UPC and, therefore, had no friends or family to influence me in any way.
When I did get in church I, of course, being 25 years old, questioned some things. But, I knew this was where God had drawn me. I want to always stay in His will and follow His direction for my life.
I've had a lot of experiences where He continued to direct me to "stay in the boat, we are going to the other side."
Honestly, it seems we have some confusion in places where we teach that "standards" are not "salvational" and others teach that they are, using the thread scripture reference as a base.
I don't know where that is going to lead, so what I am saying is that I am defending my position and where I am because God has not asked me to leave. Where ever he takes this thing, it is going to end up right for me, because I am listening to His voice and His direction.
I've been in other denominations with their warts. No denomination has everything in the Word of God down pat and 100% accurate on all points of theology. I do know that!
I've seen a lot of changes. Some make fun of how we are and when changes have taken place, they chide us for the change. So, I think we will always get attacked for something. That's a never ending story. lol
I agree with the plan of salvation, love the music, worship and moves of God. For that reason, I can stand in that place until God speaks otherwise.
I know that He is building a church and in our heart of hearts, we want to listen. Things will change, albeit, slowly in time to come. I have more confidence in things that take time - not something that is plugged in one day and unplugged the next. That only makes, especially, younger people feel unsafe. Slow works for me.
Unless, IMO, it's the certain personality of some, I don't see how any of these things have hurt anyone. We can choose to find the lesson or hang on to the memories, bitterness or hurt. Perhaps some things are harder for some personalities. I think we need to figure that in.
Many that post here that are "vehemently" against the standards, still have a strong belief in God. Therefore, whatever they have experienced or been through - the bottom line is - they still have a healthy respect and belief in God.
Viewing all of this, it is my opinion - Let's allow God to work with us, show us the way and give each other room. That's the way I feel about it all.
Apology accepted. 
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